In a bid to reclaim public trust after years of declining voter support, the African National Congress (ANC) has launched a mandatory political education programme aimed at enhancing the values, intellectual capacity, and ethics of its members. President Cyril Ramaphosa, addressing the National Executive Committee (NEC) at the Birchwood Hotel, affirmed that the course, which must be completed by December 2026, will strengthen the ANC and ensure members align with the party’s core principles. He emphasised that the initiative aims to address factionalism and ethical concerns that have plagued the party, saying, “The ANC will emerge stronger, more focused, and effective as we pursue this course.”
A Struggle for Trust and Authority
The ANC has faced a steady decline in voter confidence, with recent election results exposing a crisis in the party’s support. After securing 62.2% in the 2014 general elections, the party’s popularity dropped to 57.5% in 2019, followed by a steep decrease to 46.5% in the 2021 local government elections, and most recently, to 40.2% in the 2024 elections. The mandatory education course, introduced as an integral part of the party’s restructuring efforts, aims to correct this trajectory by instilling a renewed commitment to ethical governance and unity.
Focus on Ethics and Factionalism
Speaking at the course launch, Ramaphosa underscored the importance of using political education to tackle divisive factionalism within the ANC. “Political education makes our members sharper and more committed to core values, which directly counters factionalism and other deviant behaviours,” he said. He added that the course will help eliminate internal divisions, providing members with the skills to focus on issues that impact South African communities.
Comprehensive Five-Module Curriculum
David Makhura, head of the ANC’s political school, outlined the course structure, which will require all members to complete five modules covering:
- The history of the ANC
- ANC’s vision for South Africa
- Understanding the current state of the country and global dynamics
- The Constitution, Bill of Rights, and governance
- ANC branch responsibilities and the role of party members
Makhura further noted that this curriculum will serve as an induction for new members, who must complete it within six months of joining.
Addressing State Capture Fallout
Beyond electoral challenges, the ANC has been under intense scrutiny following the Zondo Commission’s State Capture Inquiry, where multiple party members were implicated in corruption. As part of the restructuring, the NEC has confirmed that members implicated in State Capture cases will now be referred to the National Disciplinary Committee for further review.
Ramaphosa expressed optimism about the new direction, citing former ANC President Oliver Tambo’s legacy of effectiveness, saying, “With this programme, the ANC will re-emerge with a sharper focus, equipped to lead and better serve South Africa.”
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